New research demonstrates that improving a woman’s access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) provides a multitude of indirect and positive impacts that often are overlooked in traditional development interventions. Benefits of this water access “ripple effect” go beyond the time savings and health outcomes that are well known across the sector. Referred to as “pathways to empowerment,” these now-quantifiable impacts cover a range of outcomes, including a more than 50 percent increase in female community leadership positions and shifts in gender norms within the community.

On March 8, the world will celebrate International Women's Day. This year's theme --- #BeBoldforChange --- aims to spur action toward "a more inclusive, gender equal world," according to the campaign's organizers.

On March 8, the world will celebrate International Women's Day. This year's theme --- #BeBoldforChange --- aims to spur action toward "a more inclusive, gender equal world," according to the campaign's organizers.

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